Ophthalmic Assistant

Wilmington Eye; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilmington Eye is seeking an Ophthalmic Assistant to join our Clinical Department. The role supports the physician with chair-side assistance, performs diagnostic tests, and administers treatments as ordered by the ophthalmologist.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, two years in healthcare (ophthalmology preferred), and strong communication, organization, and computer skills to ensure efficient patient care and smooth clinic operations.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive team member with a professional attitude.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide chair-side assistance to the physician and perform diagnostic tests as required.
• Administer treatments as allowed and ordered by the physician.
• Operate ophthalmic equipment including lensometer, A-scan, PAM, Humphrey Visual Field, Tonometer, BAT, Keratometer, Phoropter, Maddox Wing, Tono-Pen, Projector, Slit Lamp.
• Monitor patient flow and ensure exam rooms are stocked and prepared for the physician.
• Act as a scribe during patient examinations and escort patients to front desk after exams.

Skills

Medical/ophthalmic terminology

Communication & interpersonal skills

Team player

Organization & attention to detail

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Ophthalmic Assistant is a member of the Clinical Department and reports directly to the Lead Ophthalmic Technician/Clinical Manager. This individual is responsible for providing chair-side assistance to the physician, performing diagnostic tests as required by the ophthalmologist, and administering treatments as allowed and ordered by the physician.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in a healthcare setting; ophthalmology experience preferred.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of medical and ophthalmic terminology.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive team member with a professional attitude.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.

Clinical Skills and Patient Care:

• Must be able to accurately operate the following equipment:
• Lensometer
• A-scan
• Potential Acuity Meter (PAM)
• Humphrey Visual Field Machine
• Automated Tonometer
• Brightness Acuity Test (BAT) Machine
• Keratometer
• Phoropter
• Maddox Wing
• Tono-Pen
• Projector
• Slit Lamp

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Use autorefractors and lensometers (automatic and manual).
• Perform visual field tests.
• Perform visual acuity and pinhole tests.
• Perform brightness acuity measurements as requested by the physician.
• Perform Schirmer's tests as ordered by the physician.
• Monitor patient flow, ensuring physician exam rooms remain occupied and patient care is efficient.
• Act as a scribe for the physician during patient examinations.
• Escort patients to the front desk following their exam.
• Review the use of the Amsler grid with patients for at-home monitoring.
• Review physician-generated instructions with patients.
• Provide appropriate patient education materials as directed by the physician.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Ensure exam rooms are cleaned, tidied, and sanitized between patients, including sinks and equipment.
• Clean all lenses used by physicians.
• Prepare for COA/COT/COMT certification exams.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Primary work areas are well lit; however, duties require working in darkened exam room throughout the day.
• Frequent movement between exam rooms and clinical areas is required.